2001 Fairmont AuII Limp home Mode

Gedc · 24-03-2014, 05:51 PM

Hi folks..

Car is a 2001 Fairmong and has done 200k. I purchased at 159K. She's started to go into limp mode - 3rd gear about once a week. Always seems to be just after I've pulled up at a junction, completely stopped and then start to pull away - limp mode. If I pull in, kill the ignition and restart all is well again. Any clues or where to start please?

I've read that a failing battery may cause this and the battery is getting on and could be replaced. Much as it starts first time, it's lost that punch it used to have at kickover. Iv'e also read trans flush may help - last one was done by dealer at 159K prior to me purchasing.

Any way to tell what's causing the limp mode. It seems fairly random.

Thanks for any tips

Ged

Maka · 24-03-2014, 05:56 PM

Hi Gedc, go get a ecu scan from your local trusted mechanic now, it could be anything but it may be serious also (transmission or cooling system).

cheers, Maka

trublu1 · 28-03-2014, 11:36 PM

Hi,i checked months ago on this forum about what to do with this exact same problem with my Au1 Fairmont. The answers i found varied from crook internal solenoids, dirty Trans oil and batteries on the way out. I checked electrical connections i even changed the oil,with no luck.Then while this was going on a friend of mine purchased me a new h/d battery as a replacement for a battery i lent him ages ago but which buggered up so the next day i put the new battery in and guess what? limp mode disappeared! Even though it was starting my car alright i took it into the Raa and they said that the battery wasnt that crash hot. But in your case what i would do is borrow a battery that you know is good and strong and try it.

Gedc · 01-04-2014, 02:31 PM

Had the car checked today. The only error code in the ECU was for a knock sensor. They also thought it was missing on one cylinder during running so have changed the spark plugs and HT leads. I'll pick it back up tomorrow.

They couldn't get it to do the limp mode so could be an ongoing fault. I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the tips on the battery. I've read that elsewhere as well

Ged

**Polyal** · 01-04-2014, 02:54 PM

My TE would do something similar, only a couple of times, and it happened to be in extreme heat.

Get the trans services which is usually about $150, but I would get an external cooler put on. Done it to my last two AU's and no drama's afterwards.

Gedc · 15-04-2014, 02:55 PM

Final update I hope. Took into ford dealer. They apparently put 7 litres of trans fluid TQ95 into the car - which sounds so much I am fearful it had none in it. Then they ran some diagnostics which gave them a P0753 error - Shift solenoid problem. So they replaced that, checked all wiring harnesses and ran some continuity testing and topped up coolant. All in $1007 Kiwi...Ouch..Over $600 labour for 5 hours work. Also said transmission output shaft is starting to leak so needs done at next service..So here's some questions for the masses. 1) Given its a sealed autobox and was last flushed approx 50K ago, where has all the trans fluid gone to? 2) What did ford do differently to pop up that error code when my normal garage couldn't find anything other than a knock sensor error ? Thanks again. Will let you know if the problem returns.

Maka · 16-04-2014, 10:11 AM

!) Its leaking where the tailshaft enters the gearbox, get under the car & look for any evidence of oil getting slung about around where the tailshaft enters the transmission. Strange they didnt fix it for you.

2) Cant say why your mechanic couldn't pick up the fault but Fords diagnostic machines are designed for Ford made vehicles & are far superior than any scanners out there in the market.

Hopefully your au will now give you trouble free motoring, yes it was a bit steep cost wise but at least the work done by Ford is backed by a warranty & your au should be fine now (fingers crossed lol).

cheers, Maka

mif73 · 16-04-2014, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedc

Final update I hope. Took into ford dealer. They apparently put 7 litres of trans fluid TQ95 into the car - which sounds so much I am fearful it had none in it. Then they ran some diagnostics which gave them a P0753 error - Shift solenoid problem. So they replaced that, checked all wiring harnesses and ran some continuity testing and topped up coolant. All in $1007 Kiwi...Ouch..Over $600 labour for 5 hours work. Also said transmission output shaft is starting to leak so needs done at next service..So here's some questions for the masses. 1) Given its a sealed autobox and was last flushed approx 50K ago, where has all the trans fluid gone to? 2) What did ford do differently to pop up that error code when my normal garage couldn't find anything other than a knock sensor error ? Thanks again. Will let you know if the problem returns.

Hi,
The 7 litres they supplied would have been to flush the trans I would say, I dont think you could drive the car at all if you lost 7 litres, I think it holds 8 litres all up including the torque converter.
You would have to ask them to be sure though.
Cheers.